Burn Permits

Open Burning in Massachusetts is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and enforced by the local Fire Department. Open burning season runs from Jan 15 - May 1. A valid permit obtained from the local fire department is required. The Fire Chief reserves the right to deny open burning on any day due to weather or environmental conditions.

The Fire Department will begin issuing open burning permits beginning on January 15th. The fee for each permit for the season is $10. The processing fee for ordering the permit online is an additional $2.50. We encourage the use of our online system to register for your permit, and to activate it daily.

Obtaining a Permit for Open Burning

Obtain your permit by filling out the form online. To obtain your permit online, you will need to agree to the terms and conditions of the open burning regulations. This permit will be valid through May 1st. You will be assigned a permit number which will be required each time you activate it during the burning season, or...

We encourage you to obtain your burning permit online. However, if you are unable to obtain a permit online, you may call 978-526-4040. One of our staff will then enter your information and issue you a permit number. You MUST retain this number.~ Once you have been issued the permit number, personnel are not able to look up your number. If you want to burn on a particular day and do not have your permit number, you will not be allowed to burn.

Daily Activation of Your Permit

Each day you wish to burn, you must activate your permit. This can be done in one of two ways:

Log into our daily permit application activation page. If burning is allowed, you will need to input and submit your permit number. If you use the online application, you do not need to call the Fire Department, or...

We encourage you to activate your permit online, however if necessary, you may also contact the Fire Department at 978-526-4040. You MUST have your permit number. Personnel cannot be able to look up your number. If you do not have your permit number, you will not be allowed to burn.